Vanilla Mug Cake

It seems typical to crave something sweet after dinner, but sometimes the freezer is empty of ice cream and the last batch of cookies is nothing but crumbs. That’s when we all should reach for this vanilla mug cake recipe.

One of our easiest cake recipes, this vanilla cake in a mug creates just a single dirty dish: the coffee mug you use for both mixing and cooking the cake. Making a simple mug cake recipe with vanilla flavor requires pantry staples like milk, butter, egg and flour. And be sure to add sprinkles to make it festive—even a Tuesday night deserves a little extra color.

What is a mug cake?

A mug cake is just as it sounds: a small cake made inside a drinking mug. Any of your favorite coffee mugs will do, but the ideal size is around 16 ounces. Rather than greasing a cake pan and firing up the oven, mix the batter into the mug, and microwave the cake until domed and fluffy. The mini cake is just right for one generous serving or to split into two.

Vanilla Mug Cake Ingredients

• Milk: Thin the batter with a dash of milk. This recipe calls for 2%, but you can substitute whole or nondairy milk.
• Butter: Butter enriches the cake batter, adding flavor and making for a rich crumb. Use the best butter you can, as the flavor will come through.
• Egg yolk: Separate an egg and reserve the yolk. (Save the egg white for another use.) Use a room-temperature egg so that it blends nicely into the batter and the cake bakes evenly.
• Vanilla extract: Use your favorite vanilla extract brand, or make a homemade vanilla extract from scratch to use whenever you need it.
• All-purpose flour: Tiny cake? Tiny amount of flour. Use all-purpose flour, or sub in a gluten-free flour mix as needed.
• Sugar: Use plain granulated white sugar in this vanilla mug cake recipe.
• Baking powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise and develop air bubbles for a light crumb.
• Salt: Salt, in a cake? Yep. It won’t taste savory; it balances the sweetness.
• Sprinkles: Add a shake of sprinkles for a bit of texture, color and fun. (No need to run to the store if you don’t have any in your pantry, though; the cake is still worthwhile without.)

Directions

Step 1: Prep the mug

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Choose your favorite 16-ounce microwave-safe mug and spray it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Combine the liquids

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Directly in the mug, stir together the milk and butter. Whisk in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients

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Add the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir to combine. Add the sprinkles and stir.

Editor’s Tip: Be careful not to overstir the batter, as this can overactivate the gluten in the flour and make the cake a bit tough.

Step 4: Cook the mug cake

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Microwave on high for about 2-1/2 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean (mug will be hot). Serve immediately.

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Vanilla Mug Cake Variations

• Make it dairy-free: This vanilla mug cake recipe is easy to adapt to be dairy-free. Just use a nondairy milk and a vegan butter.
• Create a gluten-free mug cake: Replace the all-purpose flour with an all-purpose homemade gluten-free flour blend or your favorite store-bought brand.
• Change up the flavors: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar to the batter, or sprinkle some mini chocolate chips across the top of the vanilla cake in a mug before microwaving.
• Add a topping: If you want to make this mug cake recipe with vanilla extra special, serve it with whipped cream or slather frosting over the top of the cake before serving.

How to Store Vanilla Mug Cake

A moment of truth: Mug cake tastes best enjoyed soon after it’s baked. It won’t keep as well as cakes that bake in the oven. As it sits, it may toughen up a bit. That said, it’s still cake—if you have leftovers, hang onto them and they’ll still taste delicious. Let the mug cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in storage wrap and store it at room temperature.

How long does vanilla mug cake last?

Tightly wrapped, mug cake will keep for up to two days. If it needs jazzing up, reheat the cake with a quick blast in the microwave before eating. Serve the cake with a generous dollop of whipped cream, ice cream or frosting.

Vanilla Mug Cake Tips

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Can you make vanilla mug cake without egg?

The egg in this vanilla mug cake recipe serves many functions: Its liquid helps bind the ingredients together, and its protein lends structure and height to the cake and helps it stay moist even after cooking in the intense heat of the microwave. We don’t suggest leaving out the egg here, but we do have lots of desserts without eggs you may try.

How can you make sure not to overbake a mug cake?

Vanilla cake in a mug is tricky, both because you can’t really watch it bake in the microwave and because it cooks so quickly—just a few seconds can make a big difference. The best way to avoid overbaking a mug cake recipe with vanilla is to begin with the lowest recommended cooking time and then check on the cake often. You can always add a few seconds of cooking. Stop when the cake is high, the edges are dark, and a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. It will continue to bake as it cools.

Can you take the mug cake out of the mug?

Yes! You can either eat the mug cake directly in the mug (especially if your goal is to use the fewest dishes possible!) or scoop it out with a large spoon and serve it on a plate. Plating the cake makes it especially easy to add ice cream, which is always worth the effort.